Move over Starbucks, there’s a new tea-rrific entrepreneur in town and he’s armed with a kettle, a flamboyant swirl and a dream. Sunil Patil, better known to fans and followers as Dolly Chaiwala, has gone from viral sensation to aspiring businessman looking to expand his brand.
Just two days after announcing his plan to take his brand “Dolly ki Tapri” nationwide, the Nagpur-based tea seller has received 1,609 franchise applications, according to a Moneycontrol report.
Taking to Instagram with the franchise announcement, Dolly wrote, “It’s India’s first viral street brand…and now it’s a business opportunity.” He invited “real people with real passion” to build something “big, desi and truly legendary”.
Dolly Chaiwala franchise cost
The franchise options range from humble tapri carts, that will cost between Rs 4.5 and 6 lakh; to store models that will cost between Rs 20 and Rs 22 lakh); to full-blown flagship cafes that can cost between Rs 39 and 43 lakh.
Despite the buzz, not everyone’s sipping from the same cup. While many praised his hustle, others brewed some skepticism online. “From burger khayega to burger bechega, Dolly has come a long way,” one user quipped. Another offered a warning, “Don’t take any franchise…this will go to Dubai and you’ll be stuck here with bank loans!”
But Dolly remains undeterred. “I didn’t get the chance to go to school,” he shared. “But I spent 20 years behind my tea cart…and I never gave up. Today, I feel lucky but more than that, I feel proud,” Moneycontrol quoted.